Policies and Procedures

By signing a contract, you agree to certain stated conditions regarding the use of your room, its furnishings, and the rights of others in the building. These conditions are stated in the contract and students are held responsible for both understanding and abiding by contract terms and conditions. The following terms regarding residents and their rooms should be emphasized:

Since a residence hall is made up of a group of individuals in a “living-learning environment”, each person possesses certain rights which must be held in high regard. Mutual respect and consideration coupled with an awareness of and a sensitivity to the needs of other individuals must be the standard for group living. This statement is intended to suggest minimal expectations of rights of hall residents, in actualizing their freedom, without placing constraints upon such rights of other residents. The following is offered as a framework for discussion and consideration:

The Right: To read, study, and/or sleep free from undue interference in or around one’s room.

The Right: To recreation in or around the Residence Hall and Apartments

The Right: To personal privacy.

The Right: To a physical environment that is clean, healthy, safe, and orderly.

The Right: To recourse according to prescribed judicial procedures against anyone who unduly infringes upon one’s rights or property.

The Right: To participate in the process of self-governance, i.e. through the Student Senate.

Student Responsibilities

In line with any other system of rights is the responsibility, then, to not infringe and violate others’ rights. Thus, in accordance with the aforementioned rights come the following responsibilities.

The Responsibility: To control noise and other distractions that inhibit the exercise of study or sleep by another person.

The Responsibility: To modify recreation so that it does not interfere with the rights and safety of others in or around the Residence Halls and Apartments.

The Responsibility: To respect the personal privacy of others in the Residence Halls and Apartments. To also recognize and respect the personal privacy of roommate(s).

The Responsibility: To assist in the keeping of the University environment clean, healthy, safe, and orderly.

The Responsibility: To conduct oneself in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others.

The Responsibility: To be active in the process of self-governance and to insure voicing of one’ opinion or ideas.

Housing and Meal Plan Refund Policy

Balance of housing and meal plan fees per semester, upon withdrawal from housing:

100 percent refund prior to the first day of classes

90 percent refund during the first week of classes

75 percent refund during the second week of classes

50 percent refund during the third week of classes

25 percent refund during the fourth week of classes

No refund after the fourth week of classes

Telecommunication fee is non-refundable

Students who sign up for housing after the fourth week of school will be prorated for housing and meal plan. No refund upon withdrawal from housing.

Other Housing Charges:

Room changes are subject to a fee after the fourth week of classes. A $100 fee for Founders' Woods Apartment rooms and a $50 fee for Residence Hall rooms. Room changes are only permitted on the dates specified by the Residence Life Office.

A cancellation fee will be charged to residents if an exemption is requested from their housing contract. A $300 fee for Founders’ Woods and a $200 fee for Residence Hall housing.

Failure to complete a Room Condition Form at the beginning of every academic year by the specified due date will result in a $50 fee.

Student ID

The ID Card system at Benedictine University plays an integral role in the safety and security of the students who live on campus. Each student’s ID allows them access to their residence hall only. Students are responsible for their individual IDs and the loaning of a student’s ID is strictly prohibited and may be followed up with severe sanctions due the fact that other students’ safety has been compromised. If a student loses their ID, they are responsible for contacting Campus Police to purchase a new ID card for $50 and have their old card deactivated.

Move In Dates and Times

New students check-in on Thursday, August 27, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Krasa (Residence Life Office).

Residence Hall returning students check-in on Saturday August 29, 2015 in the Residence Halls from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on the first floor lounge.

Student-athletes check-in will be arranged with the Athletic Department.

Residence Life staff members are available to check residents into their rooms. Along with receiving keys, residents are required to complete a Key Card, an Emergency Contact card, and a Room Condition Form, returning all by a specified date. (This involves reviewing the room and noting on the form any details regarding the condition of the room. It is important to fill out the form thoroughly, as the resident may be held responsible for any damage other than normal wear and tear not recorded on the check-in portion of the form.) Failure to do so will result in a $50 fine and the resident will be financially responsible for any damages discovered in his/her room at the time of their checkout. The resident is responsible for the room and its contents and signing the Room Condition Form indicates the resident is in agreement with the information recorded. This responsibility for the room extends to any damage done by guests or as a result of chances taken by the residents; such as leaving the room unlocked and unattended.

Move Out Procedure

When a student moves out of the apartments or residence halls, whether at the end of a term or during the year, an appointment for checkout must be made with the RA. At this time, the checkout section of the room condition report must be completed. Again, the resident indicates agreement with the information listed on the form by signing the checkout line. Keys should not be left with another student. At the end of the academic year, each student must checkout within 48 hours of his/her last final exam. Students must have all of their belongings removed from the room prior to the scheduled checkout appointment with the RA. Failure to observe the checkout procedures will result in a $50 fine. Students who have withdrawn from the University or who have been asked to leave for disciplinary reasons must follow proper checkout procedures and leave within 48 hours (or earlier, if specified).

Break Periods

Only Founders’ Woods residents are permitted to stay in their assigned apartments during Thanksgiving, Holiday, and Spring Breaks. However, residents are expected to abide by all university/residence hall policies, as well as state and federal laws.

Housing Assignments

Incoming students are assigned to rooms based on their housing preference form submitted prior to the start of the academic year. Specific instructions are distributed to all returning residents in the spring. In order to make arrangements for housing, a student must have housing priority until the first of May for the following year. After May 1, housing priority is given to new incoming students.

Occupancy

Although the Office of Residence Life will work to accommodate students’ requests for specific rooms, an approved housing contract only assures a student a space in the halls. The Office of Residence Life reserves the right to move any student, if needed, to a different, but comparable space.

Eligibility for Housing

Only full-time students (at least 12 credit-hours for undergraduates and 6 credit-hours for graduates) at Benedictine University may live in campus housing. Students may be denied housing for appropriate reasons as determined by the Office of Residence Life.

Room Changes in the Residence Halls and Founders’ Woods Apartments

There are instances when roommates come in conflict with one another. When this occurs, the Residence Life staff will help students work through their difficulties and explore solutions such as mediation, compromise or roommate agreements. Residents must approach their RA to mediate the conflict before any other option is considered. If no solution is reached after extensive effort on the part of the roommates and staff, a room change may be considered. All room changes will originate with the Office of Residence Life.

No room changes will take place until after the two week freeze period at the beginning of the semester. Unauthorized room changes, for any reason, will result in a $100 fine for residents of Founders' Woods and a $50 fine for Residence Hall residents, the student will then be required to move back to his/her original room. Room changes based upon race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or disability will not be approved. Room changes after the fourth week of the semester are subject to a $100 fee if living in Founders' Woods and a $50 fee for all other Residence Halls.

Injury or Illness

Any accidents occurring in the residence halls resulting in injury should be reported to the RA or the Area Coordinator; who may, depending on the circumstances, assist the person in obtaining medical treatment and notifying appropriate family and/or University personnel. An accident report will be filled out by the University agent. Any medical emergencies or extended illnesses should also be reported to the Office of Residence Life. Arrangements may be made with the Food Service director to obtain a sick tray for a resident confined to his/her room. Residents are ultimately responsible for their own health care.

Locks and Keys

All residents, upon check-in to their assigned space, are issued a room key, which locks both the resident’s main door and the bedroom door, and a mailbox key. A charge will be assessed if the keys are lost or not returned at the announced deadline. Residents must notify the Luba Baranivsky within 48 hours of losing keys. A resident’s checkout will not be considered complete until the key is returned. Duplicate keys are not permitted. Disciplinary action will be taken in this situation. Legal action may also be taken against the vendor providing the duplicate.

If a student is locked out of his/her room, Campus Police has access to a master key to open the room. Identification is required and there will be a charge for this service. Unauthorized locks may not be placed on room doors. Any change or addition of locks must be performed by Campus Services and have prior authorization by the appropriate University personnel.

Non Compliance

Students must comply with orders from University personnel at all times. Failure to do so will result in the violation of both the non-compliance policy and any suspected violations involved with non-compliance.

Theft

For the safety and protection of your personal belongings, always lock your room and apartment door before sleeping or whenever you leave your room or apartment, even if it is only for a brief period of time. Any thefts, even minor ones, should be reported promptly to a Residence Life staff member and/or Campus Police.

Fine System

A fine system shall be placed that pairs various policy violations with a monetary fine. These fines will be severe enough to have an impact on negative behaviors, but not high enough as to be unusual or prohibitive. Please also note that providing alcohol to minors will result in addition fines. While the monies can be used for various projects, they must be used to better the lives of on-campus students and/or the mission of Residence Life. The following is a list of incidents and fines:

Underage consumption/possession of alcohol: $100 fine for each offense. After the third offense, there will be a physical arrest. All alcohol incidents will involve a meeting with Residence Life staff. This meeting is an effort to help curb behaviors that may be considered hurtful, unhealthy, and/or dangerous. It is at the discretion of the Office of Residence Life to issue sanctions in addition to fines received.

Littering: When excessive trash is spotted outside a residence a fine will be issued. The initial fine is $10 per resident. The resident(s) will be fined $25 each day that the trash is not removed after the first fine is issued. The Office of Residence Life has the discretion to issue additional fines if deemed necessary.

Excessive noise/over occupancy: A warning will be issued when it is prudent. Severe and/or repeated disruptions will result in an incremental fine system of $100 for each disruption

Guests of the opposite gender (Jaeger and Ondrak only): If prudent, warnings will be issued and meetings will be scheduled for regular violations. Severe violations (guests staying for several 24 hours periods) will result in a $10 fine for each night to protect student costs as well as a meeting with the Residence Life staff.

Smoking: Illinois law prohibits smoking in virtually all public places and workplaces, which includes educational institutions and their properties. This includes all residence halls and Founders Woods apartment complex. If a resident is spotted smoking within 15 feet of a prohibited area, including public balconies of the Founders’ apartments, a warning will be first issued. From that point the student will be charged $75 for each subsequent occurrence. If the violator is not a student, then the resident responsible for them will be fined.

Fines will be automatically assessed to the student’s account.

Override Policy:

In an effort to protect these funds and the interests of the students, should the monies be assigned to a project that is viewed to violate the mission of Residence Life or is believed to be misused in other forms, an unanimous override vote can take place from the Assistant Vice-President of Student Life, Associate Dean Area Coordinator(s) of Residence Life.

Annoying or Harassing Phone Calls

Any calls of an obscene or nuisance nature should be reported to the Residence Life staff. The Office of Residence Life, with the assistance of Campus Police, can arrange to have incoming calls screened as they come in. If the calls persist or are threatening, Campus Police should become involved.

Room Furnishings

All room furnishings (furniture including, but not limited to beds, tables, desks, chairs, and couches) provided by the University must remain in the residents’ assigned room. Beds are provided by the University. Lofts are not permitted. Pressure system bunk beds may not be used. Waterbeds are not permitted in resident rooms because of the possible damages from leaks or flooding. If any furniture is removed from the apartment, is found missing, damaged or placed out on apartment balconies, the resident will be charged for the entire piece of furniture and may also be subject to disciplinary action.

Pets

Pets, other than fish in an aquarium, are not allowed to visit or reside in Residence Halls or Founders’ Woods apartments because of health and nuisance problems. Fish aquariums may not exceed 10 gallons. If any unauthorized pets are found and/or are not removed resident may be subject to a fine and/or disciplinary action.

Illegal Appliances

For fire safety halogen lamps, toasters, hot plates and any other open coil appliances are not permitted in any of the Residence Halls.

Only Halogen lamps are not permitted in Founders’ Woods apartments due to the high risk of room fires.

Candles and Incense

These items are not permitted in any of the Residence Halls and Founders' Woods apartment. Open flames are fire hazards. Many students have allergic reactions to incense.

Antennas

Antennas are prohibited outside the windows of the Founders’ Woods apartments. Radio transmissions from rooms are also prohibited.

Windows and Screens

Window screens may not be removed and must cover the windows at all times. For safety reasons, residents may not lean out of the windows or sit on window ledges. Removal of the window screen and/or throwing items from windows will result in a fine and/or appropriate disciplinary action. The removal of window screens will result in a $200 fine. Windows are not to be opened when the air conditioning is operating.

Students may not use windows to exit or access their rooms

Displays in windows which are deemed inappropriate and not removed by the resident(s) will be removed by the Residence Life staff.

Throwing objects from windows may result in terminating your housing contract.

Storage

Residents may not leave personal belongings during the summer months. The University does not have facilities to store student property. Please make the necessary arrangements to remove all of your belongings before the time of checkout. Personal belongings left behind will be discarded after 72 hours of the official checkout date. Students found in violation of this policy will be charged $200 for the removal of their belongings.

Decorations

Decorations to help personalize your living space are encouraged so long as they are in good taste and are not considered a safety hazard. The Residence Life staff reserves the right to ask students to remove decorations deemed offensive, unsafe or as viewed as damaging to University Property.

Adhesives may be used to attach decorations as long as they can be fully removed when the resident moves out without damaging walls.

Students should be cautious when placing items on room and/ apartment main doors and ceilings because they might present a fire hazard or remove the finish.

Decorations on room doors and windows should also be in good taste (i.e. not lewd, indecent or obscene).

No device which penetrates or damages the door, walls, or furniture may be used in any way.

Holiday decorations are permitted so long as they do not present a fire hazard. Real trees are not permitted in the halls.

Guest Responsibilities

Guests are permitted so long as they conform to the visitation policy and roommates agree that the frequency and duration of the visits is acceptable.

A resident may host an infrequent and occasional overnight guest (The Office of Residence Life reserves the right to define “infrequent and occasional”), provided that such does not interfere with the rights of the roommate and does not violate the visitation policy (i.e. Jaeger and Ondrak cannot have overnight guests of the opposite sex). Residents must walk their guest to the Campus Police department and register their guest for purposes of campus and guest safety. Guests may not stay longer than two nights in a row. Guest registrations must be completed before 10 p.m. on the first night the guest is staying. The host is responsible for the observance of University housing policies and the behavior of their guest at all times. The guest must be in the presence of the host at all times.

In the case of a disciplinary issue, action will be taken against the host if the guest is a non-Benedictine student. Guests are discouraged during the week due to the inconvenience to roommates and other residents.

Residence hall guests are expected to sign in at the Campus Police department. Guests who have not signed in and/or are unescorted in the building will be subject to detainment and identification. Consideration for privacy and rights of roommates and other residents must be respected. A resident may have up to three guests visit his/her assigned room at any one time.

Cohabitation

Cohabitation is defined as an un-wed person physically living with someone of the opposite gender; it does not matter whether either party is a student or a non-student. Benedictine University does not support cohabitation and thus it is not allowed within the residence halls or Founders’ Woods.

Visitation

Founders’ Woods residents have the privilege of observing 24-hour visitation, so long as courtesy is used when in contact with roommates and other residents and all University policies and State and Federal laws are abided.

Quiet Hours

In an effort to reduce the amount of noise, specific minimum quiet hours have been established. These quiet hours are in effect for all Resident Halls as well Founders Woods.

Quiet hours should be observed from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays (Sunday through Thursday) and 12:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. on weekends (Friday and Saturday).

Courtesy hours are in effect at all times.

Noise to an excessive degree at any time of the day is a serious offense in a building where others might require quiet for study or sleep.

Stereos, radios, televisions, musical instruments and conversations should be kept at levels that will not interfere with other residents.

Amplifiers and loud musical instruments may not be used in student rooms.

If you encounter a noise problem, ask the responsible parties to be quiet. If they persist and/or are unresponsive to your requests, contact your RA, the Residence Life staff member on duty, or Campus Police.

Repeated noise violations might result in loss of the privilege to use equipment and/or other disciplinary action.

Games

Any games or sports (including, but not limited to, bouncing basketballs, throwing Frisbees or balls, golfing, using skateboards, roller blades, bicycles or skates) are prohibited in the halls because they may pose a safety hazard or cause excessive noise. Recreational activities outside of the halls should be done at a distance far enough to eliminate the possibility of breaking windows or in appropriate areas where there will be no damage done to any other University property (ex: golfing will leave divots in the grass)

Bicycles

Bicycles may not be stored in common areas (sidewalks, under stairs, etc.) of the apartments. Students are encouraged to take bicycles home during the inclement winter months. Under no circumstances may bicycles be chained to stairwells or be stored in hallways, stairwells, etc. Such violations will lead to immediate impounding of the bicycle and possible disciplinary action.

Motorbikes or Motorcycles

Motorbikes or motorcycles may not be brought into or stored near the apartment buildings. Motorcycles are considered motor vehicles and may be operated only on campus roads, not on sidewalks or other areas normally used by pedestrians. Motor vehicles need to be registered with the University Police department and parked in parking lot areas only.

Littering

Littering from, in, or around the apartments will not be tolerated as it destroys the appearance of our campus and can create a health hazard. Littering carries with it an automatic fine and the possibility of disciplinary actions, including the possibility of removal from on-campus housing.

Common Area Damage

Common area (including, but not limited to, the hallways, laundry rooms, lounges of the residence halls, the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and balcony) damage is the responsibility of all residents in the apartment or residence hall. Prevention is the first step and all residents are urged to be aware of the happenings within their apartment or residence hall. Be alert to intruders or residents who may damage your apartment or residence hall. When damage occurs in common areas of your apartment or residence hall, the individual responsible will be billed for the cost of repairs. If the damage is the result of an act of vandalism, the person responsible might also be assessed a fine and/or be subject to additional disciplinary action, including removal from on-campus housing. If the University is unable to determine who is responsible for the damage, the residents sharing the common area will be billed for the repairs.

The procedure will be as follows:

When damage is discovered, the Area Coordinator will issue a verbal or written notice to the residents describing the problem.

The residents will then have 72 hours to identify the person(s) responsible. If, at the end of the 72-hour period, no responsible party has been identified, the cost of repairs and/or replacement will be assessed appropriately among the population affected.

All residents will receive a notice of the amount due. Charges will be applied to the resident’s bill and are payable in Benedictine Central.

If, at some point in the future, the responsible party is identified, the resident will be asked to provide restitution to those residents who were charged for the damage.

Solicitation

Solicitation is not permitted. Salespeople and representatives of religious or political groups are not allowed without specific permission of the person they are coming to see. No resident may use a room as a base for any personal business, including serving as an agent for any line of products. Any advertisement for a product or event outside the University must be sent though U.S. mail and be addressed individually to each resident.

Bulletin Boards

While it is highly desirable to obtain maximum publicity for campus events, materials should be posted in a manner as to be pleasing and effective as communication items, and must be posted in appropriate locations. All announcements should be submitted to the Director of Residence Life for approval before being posted, and may be placed only on bulletin boards authorized for such use. For policies covering posting, please see the Student Handbook. If any items posted by Residence Life staff are torn down or damaged, a fine will be issued to the responsible parties.

Personal Property

The University shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss of personal property by theft, vandalism or mischief to students or their guests, or for the damage or destruction of such property by fire, water or any other cause.* All incidents of personal loss should be reported to Campus Police. Theft does occur. Valuables and large sums of money should be protected by the owner. Residents are encouraged to keep their apartment door and bedroom door locked at all times when there is no one present.

*Under no circumstances can Benedictine University reimburse students for any losses or damages of personal property. Therefore, residents are strongly urged to obtain personal property insurance. Students are encouraged to review family or personal homeowners/renters and health insurance and to obtain adequate coverage.

Possession of stolen property will result in disciplinary action through the University and possible referral to the Lisle Police Department.

Signs

Signs removed from University, city, county or state property are not permitted in resident apartments. Residents in violation of this policy will face disciplinary action through the University, with possible referral to appropriate city, county or state authorities.

Weapons

Benedictine University prohibits the possession or storage of a "deadly weapon" or "destructive device." The University also prohibits any Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and spring propelled guns. Individuals found in possession will be subjected to disciplinary action, including dismissal from the University and likeliness of being criminally prosecuted.

Deadly Weapons and Destructive Devices: A deadly weapon is defined as an instrument of offensive or defensive combat, something to fight with, and is any device capable of projecting a ball, pellet, arrow, bullet, missile, shell or other material.

Ammunition: Any material capable of being projected by a weapon and makes the weapon operational.

Hand instruments designed to cut or stab another by being thrown, including but not limited to: knives with a blade larger than that of a folding pocket knife (about three inches), swords and epees (fencing swords), stilettos, bowie knives, switchblades, machetes, daggers

Destructive devices including hand grenades, explosive, incendiary, and poison gas bombs, mines, rockets, missiles or similar devices and includes the unassembled components from which such a device an be made.

This policy does not apply to the possession and/or use of disabling chemical sprays when used for self defense. These items include things such as mace and pepper spray. (Training in the use of defensive sprays is strongly encouraged. Vendors should be able to provide this training and Material Safety Data Sheets.)

Weapons and Ammunition Prohibition:

Weapons and Ammunition Prohibition: No weapon or ammunition shall be worn, displayed, used or possessed in or outside of the residence halls.

Any non-resident individual invited to the campus with an instructional purpose must obtain permission in writing from the Chief of Police for weapon possession while on campus

Exceptions

The University recognizes that there may be activities related to education or research that may appear to be in violation of this policy (e.g. physical fitness activities and the School of Drama theatrical productions). In these cases, the department or organization that is coordinating the activity is then responsible for obtaining written approval (annually) from the Chief of Police or designees in advance, in order to follow through with the activity.

Violations

Any person found in possession of deadly weapons on campus in violation of this policy will be required to remove the weapon and/or themselves from the University's property. Any university student shall be subject to further disciplinary action in accordance with the university’s disciplinary policies and procedures for students. Further, any possession of a deadly weapon that is in direct violation of federal, state or local news will be referred to Campus Police (or any other deemed appropriate law enforcement authorities) and may result in legal sanctions.

Call Campus Police for any violation or suspected violations of this policy at x6122 (emergency: x6666).

Drugs

Drugs are strictly prohibited in the residence halls or the apartment complex. The possession, use, sale or distribution of illegal drugs is a violation of state and federal law as well as the regulations of the University. Students who are found to be involved with illegal drugs will face an immediate two-week suspension, severe disciplinary action, and the possibly of removal from on-campus housing and/or resulting in expulsion from the University. In some cases, information and evidence may be turned over to local law enforcement agencies. See the Student Handbook for more information.

Smoking is prohibited in all of the Residence Halls and Founders' Woods apartments. Smoking is also prohibited on balconies in compliance with state law. Smoking is permitted if you are at least 15 feet away from the building, with the understanding that the proper disposal of cigarette butts is observed.

Noxious Odors

A noxious odor is any aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent and/or offensive to others. Some examples are: perfume, air freshener, dirty laundry, etc. When a noxious odor can be localized to a particular apartment and/or bedroom, the resident(s) and/or guests of that room may be in violation of this policy and will be asked to improve the situation. If the situation is not improved, disciplinary actions may result.